Types Of Beer Brewing Tanks

By Author: Edmund Brunetti
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Designed to ferment, store, and dispense, beer brewing tanks are the most essential equipment when manufacturing on a small or commercial scale. But to get the best results, it's vital to understand the different types of tanks and their respective functions.
Fermentation Tanks

Designed to elevate the brewing process and increase the overall quality of beer, fermentation tanks, or fermenters, are used to create new flavours and bring out more intense aromas.

These tanks provide a controlled environment to mix all ingredients together, allowing for precise control over temperature and pressure. Additionally, they also contain spouts or valves that will enable you to transfer beer between tanks during the fermentation process.

Fermenters can be built to suit a range of capacities and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from small 5-gallon buckets to large stainless steel vats holding several hundred gallons.

When looking for the best fermentation tank for your needs, always go with options that include a temperature controller, oxygen regulator, and adjustable ports for adding yeast ...
... or hops.
Brite Tanks

Brite tanks come into use towards the end of the brewing process. They are designed to clear or clarify beer and carbonate it to the desired level of fizziness. Like other brewery tanks, brite tanks come in a wide range of sizes and are typically made out of stainless steel.

Brite tanks also often include features like level and temperature sensors, racking arms, valves, and carbonation systems. These help to ensure that beer is stored safely and remains at the optimum temperature for proper bubbling.

The key to having the best brite tank is to find one that offers ample space for your beer and also has proper insulation. This helps keep all the flavours and aromas intact during storage so you can enjoy a perfect pour every time.
Storage Tanks

Sometimes built as their own separate tanks or designed to fit on top of a fermentation or brite tank, storage tanks are used to store beer for an extended period of time and, in some cases, to age the beer.

These tanks usually don't require any special bells and whistles outside of the basics – like temperature control, insulation, and oxygen regulation. They should be large enough to handle the expected volume of beer, but be sure to consider the available space in your brewery so as not to create an unsafe or unusable brewing environment.

Ideally, storage tanks should be made of stainless steel, as this will help ensure that any unwanted residue from ingredients or sanitation materials does not contaminate the beer.
Make The Most Of Your Brew

No matter what type of beer you're brewing, having the right tanks is essential for a successful operation. If you are unsure of the size or type of brewery tanks needed to ensure your commercial or microbrews come out tasting their best, consult a professional for advice. These professionals can also help with the design and installation of your beer brewing tanks and teach you the proper cleaning and maintenance techniques to keep them working their best.